Cachiflín- a type of firework that is lit and then slithers all over the ground like a snake. Correr como cachiflín means to run like crazy.

Cachudo – slang for bull. The correct word is toro

Carga or galleta – is an awesome person

Chinchiví – type of alcoholic beverage from the province of Alajuela

Engavetar – is to put someone in jail (slang)

Estar en las últimas – to be on one’s last legs or about to die. Can mean that an object like a car is on its last legs, too. Estar con una pata en la tumba (one foot in the grave) is the same. Patear el balde, colgar las tenis, estirar la pata, pasar al otro lado, pasar al otro mundo and palmarse all mean to die in Costa Rica slang.

Estar en veremos – to wait and see

Gota de agua – someone’s twin

Guato, zaguate and guau-guau – all are slang for dog. Perro is the correct word.

Irse de pollo – to be made a fool of. Agarrar de mae or pasar por inocente are synonyms

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Guide to Costa Rican Spanish

Christopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rica Spanish is an invaluable book for people who know Spanish as well as those who know only a few words. It includes a basic primer on Spanish pronunciation, theme-oriented vocabulary and phrasing, and many many idioms that can help you sound like a local right from the start.

This popular book has helped 1000s of people master the basics of using Spanish in real life situation."

As good as attending a Spanish school for beginners. Perfect for travellers and foreigners who live in Costa Rica. Correct pronunciation. NO tire some grammar. Useful everyday expressions. Proven natural method. Pocket size for travel. Guaranteed results.

"It must be pointed out that this book be considered a complete course in the Spanish language. However, with the regular practice of the pronunciation exercises and memorization of all the indispensable vocabulary and useful phrases, you should be able to communicate and handle most daily situations you will encounter in Costa Rica."

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